Exodus 23:2
Exodus 23:2 in Multiple Translations
You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.
¶ Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to turn aside after a multitude to wrest justice:
Do not be moved to do wrong by the general opinion, or give the support of your words to a wrong decision:
Don't follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give evidence in a lawsuit, don't corrupt justice by siding with the majority.
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do euil, neither agree in a controuersie to decline after many and ouerthrowe the trueth.
'Thou art not after many to evil, nor dost thou testify concerning a strife, to turn aside after many to cause [others] to turn aside;
“You shall not follow a crowd to do evil. You shall not testify in court to side with a multitude to pervert justice.
Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil; neither shalt thou speak in a cause to decline after many to wrest judgment:
Thou shalt not follow the multitude to do evil: neither shalt thou yield in judgment, to the opinion of the most part, to stray from the truth.
Do not join a group of people who are planning to do something evil. Do not testify the way the crowd wants you to, if that will prevent the judge from deciding the case justly/fairly.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 23:2
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Exodus 23:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 23:2
Study Notes — Exodus 23:2
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 23:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:2
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:2
- Sermons on Exodus 23:2
Context — Justice and Mercy
2You shall not follow the crowd in wrongdoing. When you testify in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.
3And do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit. 4If you encounter your enemy’s stray ox or donkey, you must return it to him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 1:10–11 | My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them. If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, |
| 2 | Proverbs 1:15 | my son, do not walk the road with them or set foot upon their path. |
| 3 | Luke 23:23–24 | But they were insistent, demanding with loud voices for Jesus to be crucified. And their clamor prevailed. So Pilate sentenced that their demand be met. |
| 4 | Job 31:34 | because I greatly feared the crowds and the contempt of the clans terrified me, so that I kept silent and would not go outside— |
| 5 | Matthew 27:24–26 | When Pilate saw that he was accomplishing nothing, but that instead a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood, ” he said. “You bear the responsibility.” All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!” So Pilate released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed Him over to be crucified. |
| 6 | Exodus 23:6–7 | You shall not deny justice to the poor in their lawsuits. Stay far away from a false accusation. Do not kill the innocent or the just, for I will not acquit the guilty. |
| 7 | Deuteronomy 1:17 | Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.” |
| 8 | Numbers 14:1–10 | Then the whole congregation lifted up their voices and cried out, and that night the people wept. All the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why is the LORD bringing us into this land to fall by the sword? Our wives and children will become plunder. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” So they said to one another, “Let us appoint a leader and return to Egypt.” Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown before the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel. Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes and said to the whole congregation of Israel, “The land we passed through and explored is an exceedingly good land. If the LORD delights in us, He will bring us into this land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and He will give it to us. Only do not rebel against the LORD, and do not be afraid of the people of the land, for they will be like bread for us. Their protection has been removed, and the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them!” But the whole congregation threatened to stone Joshua and Caleb. Then the glory of the LORD appeared to all the Israelites at the Tent of Meeting. |
| 9 | Exodus 32:1–5 | Now when the people saw that Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!” So Aaron told them, “Take off the gold earrings that are on your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” Then all the people took off their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron. He took the gold from their hands, and with an engraving tool he fashioned it into a molten calf. And they said, “These, O Israel, are your gods, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!” When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before the calf and proclaimed: “Tomorrow shall be a feast to the LORD.” |
| 10 | Joshua 24:15 | But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” |
Exodus 23:2 Summary
This verse in Exodus 23:2 is teaching us to be careful not to do wrong just because everyone else is doing it. When we are called to testify or speak up, we should tell the truth, even if it's hard or unpopular, as seen in Joshua 24:15 where we are encouraged to choose to serve the Lord. We should not let the crowd influence us to do something that goes against God's will, and instead, we should strive to be honest and truthful in all our words and actions, just like it says in Proverbs 10:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'follow the crowd in wrongdoing' in Exodus 23:2?
This phrase means to go along with the majority when they are doing something that is contrary to God's will, as seen in Proverbs 1:10-19 where we are warned against following the crowd into sinful actions.
How does this verse relate to being a witness in a court of law?
When testifying in a lawsuit, Exodus 23:2 instructs us not to pervert justice by siding with the crowd, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity, as also taught in Exodus 20:16 and Leviticus 19:11.
Is this verse only for the Israelites or does it apply to Christians today?
While Exodus 23:2 was originally given to the Israelites, the principle of not following the crowd in wrongdoing and being honest in our testimony applies to all believers, as seen in Ephesians 4:25 where we are instructed to speak the truth in love.
How can I apply this verse in my everyday life?
You can apply Exodus 23:2 by being mindful of the influence of those around you and making sure that you are not compromising your values or integrity to fit in, as encouraged in Romans 12:2 to not conform to the pattern of this world.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways am I tempted to follow the crowd, even when it goes against God's will?
- How can I ensure that I am being honest and truthful in my words and actions, especially when it's difficult or unpopular?
- What are some ways that I can stand up for what is right, even if it means standing alone?
- How can I balance the desire to fit in with the need to stand firm in my faith and values?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 23:2
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 23:2
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 23:2
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 23:2
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 23:2
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 23:2
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 23:2
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 23:2
Sermons on Exodus 23:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Who Not to Follow by E.A. Adeboye | E.A. Adeboye emphasizes the importance of carefully choosing our associations to enter the promised rest of God, warning against following the counsel of the ungodly and sinful way |
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Bible Survey - Daniel by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the life of Daniel, a wise and righteous prophet who remained faithful to God despite being exiled to Babylon. Daniel's integrity and courage in the face |
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Homily 37 on the Acts of the Apostles by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the journey of Paul and his companions through various cities, emphasizing Paul's dedication to sharing the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles. Despite |
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How to Treat Doubtful Things by John Hames | John Hames emphasizes the importance of avoiding doubtful practices and conduct, as they can lead to sin and separation from God. He warns against engaging in activities or going t |
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Perilous Times Shall Come by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the truth, even at the cost of one's life. He references the story of Leonard Ravenhill, who sang praises to God |
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The Jesuits by Ian Paisley | Ian Paisley delivers a sermon critiquing the Jesuits in three aspects: in regard to themselves, the Church, and society. He highlights concerns about the Jesuits' collective behavi |
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(Know Your Enemy) 3. the Deception of Satan by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen preaches on how Satan attacks by questioning God's Word and making us doubt His commands, leading us away from the Lord and towards destruction. He highlights how Satan |







